How Does The VA Reimburse Funeral Expenses?

How Does The VA Reimburse Funeral Expenses?

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Posts: 15

Nov 3 12 5:40 PM

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My husband passed away on Oct 7, 2012. He was 100% (although NOT P&T) for Prostate cancer, diabetes and IHD (all AO related). He was in the State Vets Home in Humboldt TN at the time of his passing. Although the primary cause of death was Bladder Cancer, other causes listed on the death certificate included the AO diseases. My applications for DIC, Burial Benefits and for his life insurance were sent in by our VBO (I guess that's what he is)! All were sent in the same packet. I received the 10,000.00 life insurance last week (direct deposit). My question is this...since there was not a place on the Burial Benefits app. as to my bank and account number (for direct deposit), how will I be reimbursed if I am approved for this benefit? Will they mail a check, or send me a form to fill out with the needed info? He was cremated and the remains were sent home with me, so there was no "plot", so I am not too sure if I will even receive any benefits. Do you have a "guesstimate" as to how long it will take them to rule on my benefit claims? Thanks, BB

I received a check for burial benefits and travel expenses in Oct. I submitted a copy of the cremation charges. My husband died in Aug. 2011 and I applied for burial benefits and DIC in Nov. 2011. At the time of his death, my husband had a claim for service connection for dementia (CTE) from mTBIs. So he was not classified as service-connected when he died. So I assume my situation is more complicated and is taking longer as I have not heard anything about DIC or the previous appeal (I had my name transferred to the appeal). My husband also had Parkinson's Disease.

Your claim should be processed fairly quickly. I handled a claim for my mother in law after my father in law passed away in May 2012, her claim was processed in under 60 days. I do not recall if the burial benefits were direct deposited or they sent her a check. But I do believe they were direct deposited. That info would have been on your DIC claim, so they would have your direct deposit info.Sorry for your loss, and I hope you get the benefits you deserve.

Thanks so much for your condolonces as well as the info. I guess we have been lucky (as far as VA claims and benefits go), as my husband started receiving comp pay within 60 days of all claims made. So, I have no complaints as far as "speediness" goes. And because the VBO (I'm still not sure if that is what he is...I just have been calling him my "advocate") was and still is so helpful, the paperwork was simple to fill out. The reason I didn't ask him this question (about how the burial benefit is paid) is because he is on vacation through the middle of the month and I didn't know when he could answer my emails and/or phone calls. I suppose if I don't hear anything from the VA about the DIC or Burial Benefits by the end of this month I should probably give him (or the VA directly) a call. Anyway, I was shocked that the Life Insurance was paid so speedily, especially considering we didn't even take it out until the middle of July (when we thought his prostate cancer was the problem, not the bladder). The premiums were even waived. So, like I said, I have been very fortunate in this part of the ordeal, but I would much rather have Mike back, that's for sure. All the $$ in the world could never fill the loss and void in my life. It's truly devastating.